Construction of the Launch Facility Completed
The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force has finished building a stationary launch site of an unknown type in the 1st Test and Training District at Jilantai. This information comes from a report by the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI). Work on the facility started in 2022 and was visually completed by 2026. The structure’s depth ranges from 6.4 to 11.8 meters.
Purpose of the Facility
This installation likely uses a multi-cell vertical launch system. It may be intended for launching short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as cruise missiles. The possibility that the site serves an air defense role has been ruled out due to the lack of radar stations and the excessive length of the HQ-29 interceptor missile.
Despite technological advances, experts point out that fixed launch sites are difficult to conceal and defend with active protection measures. Depending on their location, such installations may have limited utility for sustained operations after an initial salvo.
“Heavy investment in systems of this type could create strong 'use-or-lose' incentives for PLA leadership during crisis escalation,” analysts note.
In July 2026, China and Russia are scheduled to hold joint naval exercises called 'Marine Interaction-2026' in the Yellow Sea, which may signal further intensification of military cooperation between the two countries.
The completion of this new launch facility in China reflects the country’s drive to upgrade its military infrastructure and bolster its defensive capabilities. Combined with the upcoming joint naval drills with Russia, this development may underscore growing military ties between the two nations, with potential implications for regional security and the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region.
The establishment of this launch facility coincides with the upcoming joint naval exercises between China and Russia in the Yellow Sea scheduled for July 2026. This alignment of military activities may indicate a deeper strategic partnership, potentially altering the security landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.